While "shock therapy" has been used in psychiatry for more than 70 years, researchers had little idea how the controversial treatment worked to treat depression. Now, scientists say they may have solved the mystery… Today, the therapy is safer because patients receive anesthesia and electricity doses are much more controlled, according to the Mayo Clinic. Still, the treatment can impair short-term memory and, in rare cases, cause heart problems.

MyHealthNewsDaily by Rachael Rettner   3/20/12

Tags: controversial treatment, Psychology and Psychiatry, Research, shock therapy